Description

Area/Topic
Worldwide, Career, Culture, Group Travel

Yves Marceau
VP Product
G Adventures

Yves Marceau joined G Adventures in 2014, taking on the role of Vice President of Product in late-2017, after running the small group adventure company’s buying division for three years. Both roles place a heaving emphasis on sustainability, as G Adventures prefers to work with locally-owned suppliers in the more than 100 countries it travels to.

Yves has more than 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry; specifically, with non-profit organizations, in product and buying, and hospitality management.  Before starting at G Adventures he spent time working at Road Scholar, which was a natural step into travel given his prior 10 years spent in education as a history and French teacher.

Yves has travelled to more than 70 countries and to all continents except Antarctica, which could just be his next choice for a G Adventures tour. 

https://www.gadventures.com/

Summary
In this episode, Yves Marceau, Vice President of Product for G Adventures, shares his journey to adventure travel and the importance of curiosity and connection in the industry. He discusses the impact of travel on individuals and communities, and the characteristics of a good guide. Yves also provides advice for aspiring adventure travel guides and emphasizes the value of group dynamics in creating meaningful travel experiences. The conversation covers different types of adventure travel, G Adventures' target audience, the National Geographic partnership, the introduction of the Geluxe travel style, solo travelers and finding connections, and favorite travel experiences.

Takeaways

• Adventure travel is about getting outside of your comfort zone and connecting with people and places.
• Curiosity and a desire to explore are essential qualities for adventure travel guides.
• Adventure travel can have a positive impact on individuals and communities, fostering connections and understanding.
• The role of a guide is to create meaningful experiences and facilitate connections among travelers. Adventure travel can vary greatly, so it's important for travelers to understand their own preferences and find a company that aligns with their travel style.
• G Adventures attracts a diverse range of travelers, including solo travelers, couples, and families.
• The National Geographic partnership offers a more cerebral and culturally immersive travel experience.
• The Geluxe travel style provides upgraded accommodations and unique community connections.
• G Adventures offers opportunities for solo travelers to share accommodations and connect with like-minded individuals.
• Favorite travel experiences are often defined by the unique and memorable moments that travelers encounter.

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